Bolands Mill, scene of the 1916 rising, was claimed by Eamon de Valera for the Irish Republic.

Despite the fact that the rebellion was a total failure, the Easter Rising was one of the defining moments in the struggle for Irish independence - indeed it may be regarded as the turning point for the fortunes of Irish republicanism.

Eamonn de Valera was one of only two of the leaders of the rebellion who escaped the death sentence. Eamonn de Valera could not be executed as a traitor as he held no British citizenship, described himself as a citizen of the (non-existent) Irish Republic and would have been entitled to either a US or Spanish passport on account of his father. (The other rebel leader who escaped death, Countess Markiewicz had her death sentence reduced to a life prison sentence on account of her sex)

Production ceased at the mill in 2001. Bolands Mills not only dominated the skyline at Ringsend but also played a major role in the industrial, commercial and social life of the area. Sadly, Bolands Mills and nearby Dock Milling no longer provide employment for the countless generations of workers from Ringsend and the Pearse Street area.

The constant noise of machinery grinding and the hustle and bustle of daily activity in Ringsend have now ceased as the Irish Flour Milling Industry, within the twenty-six counties, has been reduced to three milling plants operated by Odlums.

The Bolands Mills site was sold to Benton Properties for Euro 42m in 2004 and was to be redeveloped for apartments and offices.

Many in the industry speculated at the time that such a steep price could only be justified if planning permission was given for a high-rise development.